CONTAINER

Abstract: A container is divided via openable partitions (12, 13, 14) into a number of compartments (8-11), which are each intended for a fraction of fractional waste. The compartments (8-11) can be emptied in sequence after one another and, where applicable, one compartment is emptiable through one or more already emptied compartments (8-10). Each partition (12-14) has a catch which, in the open position, permits opening of its associated partition and which, in a locking position, keeps it locked. A stepwise movable operating device is provided for switching the catches to the open position, after each step movement in sequence after one another. The operating device is actuatable by means of a stepping mechanism which is actuated by an actuator device (18) and which, on each actuation, realises one movement step of the operating device.

Description: CONTAINER TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a container apparatus in such a container for fractional waste as is divided, via a number of partitions which may be opened themselves or be fitted with opening hatches, into a number of compartments, preferably one compartment for each waste fraction, the compartments being capable of being emptied in sequence after one another and, where applicable, one compartment being emptiable via one or more previously emptied compartments. A container of the type mentioned by way of introduction is described in my earlier Swedish Patent Application No. 9301574-1. BACKGROUND ART The container according to this Patent Application is in the form of an elongate container which is divided in the longitudinal direction into a number of separate compartments which are intended for accommodating different types of refuse or waste. When the container is full, it is collected from its normal site by a suitable vehicle and is transported to a discharge station. In such instance, the end wall hatch of the container is first opened, whereafter the refuse fraction closest to this hatch is discharged by tipping of the container. When this first compartment has been emptied, the container is moved to the discharge point, where the partition wall or hatch between the first and second compartments is opened so that the next compartment is emptied through the previously emptied compartment. In this manner, the process is repeated until the entire container has been emptied, the different fractions of refuse still being kept separated from one another. For a container to function in the above-outlined manner, the different openable partitions, and also the end wall of the container, must be provided with suitable locking mechanisms which permit opening of the correct partition at the correct time. PROBLEM STRUCTURE The present invention has for its object to realise an apparatus of the type disclosed by way of introduction, the apparatus being designed in such a manner as to permit simple and convenient opening of the various partitions in the container in sequence after one another. The present invention also has for its object to realise an apparatus in which at least the opening of the different partitions may be achieved without the driver of the vehicle being obliged to operate a locking mechanism locally at each partition intended precisely for this partition. The present invention further has for its object to realise an apparatus which also permits simultaneous opening of two partitions so that two compartments may thereby be emptied together. Finally, the present invention has for its object to realise an apparatus which is simple and economical to manufacture, convenient to use and which does not constitute a safety hazard. SOLUTION The objects forming the basis of the present invention will be attained if the apparatus intimated by way of introduction is characterized in that there is provided, at each opening partition or hatch, at least one catch which, in an opened position, permits opening of the partition or the hatch and which, in a locking position, locks the partition or hatch; and that the catches are switchable to the opened position under the action of a stepwise movable operating device which, after a first movement step, switches a first catch to the opened position and which, after a second movement step, switches a second catch to the opened position, and so on. The present invention is further also suitably characterized in that the operating device is actuable by a stepping mechanism which, on each actuation, realises one movement step in the operating device. The above-described characterizing features realise an apparatus by means of which the pertinent partitions or hatches can be opened one-by- one in sequence after one another so that the container may thereby be emptied with each fraction of waste being kept separated from other fractions. In a first embodiment of the present invention, it suitably applies that the partitions or hatches are disposed in a row after one another in the container, that the operating device is elongate and extends from one end region of the container up to the partition or hatch located most distal from this end, and that the operating device is movable in its longitudinal direction. According to a second embodiment of the present invention, the partitions or hatches are disposed in a row after one another in the container, the operating device is elongate and extends from one end region of the container up to the partition or hatch located most distal from that end; and that the operating device is movable in a direction of rotation about its longitudinal axis. Further advantages will be attained according to the present invention if the apparatus is also given one or more of the characterizing features as set forth in appended Claims 5 to 11. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS The present invention will now be described in greater detail hereinbelow, with particular reference to the accompanying Drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic and perspective view of a container according to the present invention; Fig. 2 is a vertical side elevation, partly in cross section, of the front end of an operating device included in the container, and a stepping mechanism cooperating therewith in its starting position before a discharge cycle; Fig. 3 is a view corresponding to that of Fig. 2, the stepping mechanism having been actuated; Fig. 4 is vertical side elevation, partly in cross section, of a catch intended for an opening partition, in the locking position; and Fig. 5 is a view corresponding to that of Fig. 4, the catch being located in the opened position. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Fig. 1 illustrates, schematically and in perspective, a container according to the invention. This container has fixed side walls 1 and 2 and a fixed front end wall 3. The term 'front' is here taken to signify that end of the container which is turned to face towards the driver's cab on the vehicle which is intended for transport and handling of the container. Furthermore, the container has a rear, openable end wall 4 which is pivotal about a horizontal axis 5 at the upper end region of the container. The container further has a pivot device 6 which permits a pivoting movement about the axis 7 when the container is located on its carrier vehicle. Such a pivoting in a clockwise direction according to the double- headed arrow entails that the front end of the container is raised so that the container is tilted to an emptying position. Normally, a maximum angle of tilt is of the order of approx. 80° in relation to the horizontal plane. According to the invention, the container is divided into a number of compartments 8 - 11, in which the first compartment 8 is located furthest back, adjacent the rear end wall 4 of the container. The second compartment 9 is located between a first and second partition 12 and 13, respectively. Correspondingly, the third compartment 10 is located between the second and third partitions 13 and 14, respectively, while the fourth compartment 11 is located between the third partition and the front end wall 3 of the container. A container with four different compartments has been described above, but it is obvious that both more and fewer compartments may be employed, by increasing or reducing the number of partitions. In the illustrated embodiment, the partitions 12 - 14 may be opened in their entirety in that they are pivotal about horizontal axes 15 - 17 in the same way as the rear end wall 4. As an alternative to allowing the partitions and also the end wall 4 to be openable in their entirety, it is also naturally 5 possible to provide them with opening hatches or the like. In order to permit the different partitions 12 - 14 optionally to be located in the closed positions illustrated in Fig. 1 and in open positions where, in principle, they are free to pivot in the opening direction, i.e. in a I 0 counterclockwise direction about their axes, there is disposed, at each partition or on a hatch placed in each such partition, at least one - but preferably two catches which, in such instance, are located on opposing sides 1 and 2 of the container. These catches are operable under the action of an operating device which is preferably common to all catches on each I 5 side of the container. The arrangement is such that the operating device is connected to a stepping mechanism which, on each actuation, displaces the operating device one movement step, in which event the coupling between the operating device and each respective catch is such that a first movement step entails release of the catches at the first partition 12, while 0 the next movement step entails that the catch or catches at the first partition 12 are still retained open and that, in addition, the catch or catches at the second partition 13 are opened. Correspondingly, the third movement step entails that the catches at the first and second partitions are held open and that, in addition, the catches at the third partition 14 are also opened. 5 For safety reasons, it is inadvisable and, in certain cases forbidden, to allow the operating device also to operate those locking mechanisms or catches which are employed for locking and opening the rear end wall 4. However, technically this is fully feasible if permitted by the regulations locally in force. 0 In such a case, the locking mechanism for the rear end wall 4 is completely analogous with the locking mechanism for any one whatever of the other partitions 12 - 14. The operating device is elongate and extends from the region at the front 5 end wall 3 at least rearwards to the first partition 12, i.e. that partition which is located furthest away from the front end wall. As a rule however, the operating device extends as far as to the rear end wall 4, for reasons which will be elaborated upon below. The forward end of the operating device is interconnected with a stepping mechanism which, on each actuation, imparts to the operating device one movement step. This stepping mechanism has an actuation device 18 which, as illustrated in Figs. 1 - 3, may be in the form of a weighted and wheeled lever 19. In the position illustrated in Fig. 1 of the container, this rests on a vehicle and, in this position, the actuation device 18 is pivoted clockwise to an end position in that it rests on a substrate 20 in the vehicle or an abutment member specifically provided on the vehicle. On tilting of the container, i.e. when this is pivoted about the axis 7 in a clockwise direction, the weighted lever 19 will, under force of gravity or the action of spring bias, be pivoted in a counterclockwise direction. When the container is then once again lowered to the horizontal position illustrated in Fig. 1 , the lever is pivoted back in a clockwise direction to the position illustrated in Fig. 1. This reciprocating pivotal movement of the actuation device entails that the stepping mechanism has executed one working cycle which, in turn, has displaced the operating device one movement step. The consequence of this will be that one catch has been switched from its locked to its opened position. When the container is subsequently once again raised, the movement pattern of the actuation device 18 will be repeated, for which reason the next catch is opened so that a further compartment can be emptied. When the entire container has then been emptied, the system is reset manually via a reset handle or the like (not shown on the Drawings). Figs. 2 and 3 show a forward end region of the above-mentioned operating device which is in the form of an elongate rail or profiled bar 21. The rail 21 is disposed interiorly in the container and is discrete from the interior of the container proper by the intermediary of a screening wall along the lower edge of each side wall 1 and 2 of the container. The rail 21 is guided and supported in relation to the bottom 22 of the container via a number of support rollers 23 which are distributed throughout the entire length of the rail 21. Beneath the bottom 22 proper of the container, there is provided a carrying system of beams 24 and 25 which rigidity and support the bottom plate 22 proper in the container. In addition to the support rollers 23, the rail 21 is also provided with at least guides for guiding in a horizontal direction, i.e. at right angles to the plane of the Drawing in Figs. 2 and 3. 5 In the region of the stepping mechanism, the rail 21 is provided with a number of upwardly open recesses 26 - 28, the defining edges of these recesses turned to face towards the rear end wall 4 of the container being approximately at right angles or transversely directed in relation to the I 0 longitudinal direction of the rail 21. The distribution of these recesses 26 - 24 corresponds to the length of the movement steps of the operating device 21. Furthermore, the number of recesses corresponds to the number of partitions 12 - 14 in the container. From this it follows that, instead of the three recesses shown on the Drawing, the rail 21 may have both more and 1 5 fewer recesses, corresponding to the number of partitions. For stepwise advancement of the rail 21 , use is made of a pivotal pawl 29 which is disposed on a pivotal arm 30. The pivotal arm is of one piece manufacture with, or is connected via a shaft 38 to the lever 19 in the 0 actuation device 18. Hereby, the pivotal arm 30 and the lever 19 will move synchronously in a pendulum motion when the container is raised from the substrate 20 and once again lowered. The shaft 38 is journalled in suitable journals on the underside of the beam 25 and interconnects, in terms of movement, both of the arms 30 at the opposing sides 1 and 2 of the 5 container to one another and to the actuation device 18. Fig. 2 shows the starting position before the container has been lifted, the pawl 29 resting on the rail 21 under force of gravity, or possibly by spring action. Fig. 3 shows how the lever 19 has been pivoted in a 0 counterclockwise direction, which also applies to the pivotal arm 30. In this new position, the pawl 29 has fallen or snapped down into the first recess 26 and rests on its bottom. When the container is lowered from a position corresponding to that of Fig. 3 to a position corresponding to that of Fig. 2, the lever 19, and the pivotal arm 30, are pivoted back in a clockwise 5 direction to the position as shown in Fig. 2. In such instance, the pawl 29 will come into contact with the transversely directed defining edge of the first recess 26 and advance the rail 21 one movement step (in a rearward direction towards the end wall 4). In the next pivotal cycle of the lever 19 and the pivotal arm 30, the pawl 29 is displaced to the second recess 26 in a position in this recess which corresponds to that illustrated in Fig. 3. On re- pivoting of the lever 19 and the pivotal arm 30, i.e. when the container is once again set down on the substrate 20, the pawl 29 will engage with the transverse end wall of the second recess 27 and advance the rail 21 a further working step. This process is repeated until the rail 21 has been displaced to its right-hand end position in Figs. 2 and 3. In order to permit return of the rail 21 to the original starting position according to Fig. 2, the pawl 29 is pivotal in a counterclockwise direction through approximately 180° so that the pawl, after all movement steps of the rail 21 , may rest on an upper surface 31 of the end portion of the rail 21. In this position, the rail can, via a return mechanism, for example a lever mechanism with an operating handle placed on the outside of the container (this mechanism not shown), be returned to the starting position according to Fig. 2, whereafter the pawl 29 is once again pivoted to the position illustrated in Fig. 2. Figs. 4 and 5 show a catch 32 which is disposed for locking and opening of the first partition 12. Identical catches are placed at the remaining partitions 13 and 14. The catch 32 engages with the first partition 12 and, in the position shown in Fig. 4, prevents pivoting of the partition in a counterclockwise direction, i.e. in the opening direction to the right in Fig. 4. In the opposite direction, movement of the first partition is arrested via a fixed abutment disposed in the container. The catch 32 is pivotal about a shaft 33 which is horizontal or is parallel with the bottom of the container and which has an extension arm or lever 34 which, at its free end, is provided with a cam follower such as a roller or wheel 35. The wheel 35 rests on a locking portion 36 which is secured on the rail 21 , preferably adjustably in the longitudinal direction of the rail. The locking portion 36 is, in the vertical direction, placed in such a manner as to prevent pivoting of the catch 32 in a counterclockwise direction, whereby the catch will reliably hold the partition 12 in the locked state. The relative position between the catch 32 and its wheel 35 on the one hand and, on the other hand the rail 21 and the locking portion 36 disposed thereon corresponds to the starting position according to Fig. 2. On advancement of the rail 21 one movement step to the right, the wheel 35 will follow a ramp surface 37 on the locking portion 36, whereupon the catch 32 is pivoted in a counterclockwise direction to the opened position according to Fig. 5. This opening movement occurs during the final phase of the re-pivoting of the container down towards the substrate 20 after having been first raised once. This implies that the opening cycle takes place when the container is substantially horizontal and, thus, the loading against the partition 12 is relatively slight. When the container is then once again tilted, i.e. pivoted about the axis 7 in Fig. 1, the partition 12 will be pivoted to the open position partly by force of gravity and partly under the action of the quantities of waste located in the second compartment 9 in the container. As has been considered above, the first movement step of the rail 21 realises opening of the first partition 12, while the second movement step of the rail 21 realises opening of the second partition 13, and finally the third movement step of the rail realises opening of the third partition 14. In Figs. 4 and 5, broken lines and reference numerals 35:13 and 35:14 have been employed to show the positions of the wheels 35 which are included in the catches at the second partition 13 and the third partition 14, respectively. It will be apparent from Fig. 4 that, in the starting position, all wheels 35, 35:13 and 35:14 are located up on each respective locking portion 36. It will also be apparent that a displacement of the locking portion 36 in a direction to the right realises a downward pivoting of the wheel 35 at the same time as, at the other partitions, the wheel 35:13 after the first movement step of the rail 21 will arrive in the same relative position in relation to its locking portion 36 as the wheel 35 has in Fig. 4. This position after one movement step of the rail 21 is apparent from Fig. 5. If the rail 21 is now displaced a further movement step to the right, the wheel 35:13 will also fall down on the bottom 22 of the container, while the wheel 35:14 will assume the same position in relation to its locking portion 36 as the wheels 35 and 35:13 had previously assumed in relation to their respective locking portions. Yet a further movement step in a direction to the right of the rail 21 will, as a result, also cause the wheel 35:14 to fall down on the bottom 22 of the container. In this position, all three partitions 12, 13 and 14 are unlocked and openable. As has been mentioned above, the locking portions 36 are suitably adjustable in the longitudinal direction of the rail 21. It is hereby possible to place the locking portions 36 of the second partition 13 in such positions that the second partition 13 is opened at the same time as the first partition 12. Such an arrangement might be advantageous when the compartments 9 and 10 contain the same waste fraction. On return of the rail 21 , i.e. a displacement in a direction to the left in the Figures, the wheels 35, 35:13 and 35:14 will come into engagement with their respective ramp sections 37 which lift the wheels and thereby close the catches 32. For safety reasons, the rear end wall 4 of the container has exteriorly and manually actuable locking devices. Preferably, the rail 21 extends up to the region of the rear end wall 4 of the container and is there connected with a device which prevents closure of the end wall as soon as the rail 21 is located in a position for opening of any of the catches 32. The device is suitably also designed in such a manner as to prevent displacement of the rail 21 in the opening direction of the catches 32 as long as the rear end wall 4 is closed and locked. This entails that all partitions 12, 13 and 14 must be locked, i.e. the rail 21 moved back to its locking and starting position according to Fig. 2, before the manual locking of the rear end wall can take place. DESCRIPTION OF ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS The present invention may be modified in such a manner that the operating device 21 is designed for a rotational movement instead of a linear movement. In this embodiment, the operating device has, in the region at each catch, a cam which, after one rotational step, realises opening of the first partition 12, and which after a further rotational step, realises opening of the second partition 13 and, after a third rotational step, realises opening of the third partition 14. Resetting to the locking position may either take place in the reverse direction or by a fourth rotational step. For stepwise rotation of the operating device 21 in this embodiment, use may be made of a pawl mechanism with a so-called one-way toggle clutch which transmits rotational movement only in the one direction while disengagement takes place in the opposite direction of movement. Also in this embodiment, the stepping mechanism may be actuated by an actuation device 18 which cooperates with an abutment portion or a substrate 20 on the vehicle which is employed for transporting the container, so that actuation is thereby initiated when the container is tilted, or lifted. In the embodiment with the operating device 21 which is movable in the longitudinal direction, use may also be made of an actuation device which executes a movement in the longitudinal direction of the operating device and which is fixedly placed on the vehicle so as to actuate a buffer or pressure plate on the container. This buffer or pressure plate is connected to a ram whose longitudinal direction is substantially parallel with the longitudinal direction of the operating device 21 and which carries a pawl analogous with the pawl 29. This displaceable ram is retracted by the operating device placed on the vehicle and thereby advances the operating device 21 one step, whereupon the ram returns under the action of spring recuperation, so that, as a result, a further actuation can be realised with a new movement step of the operating device as a result. The present invention may be modified without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended Claims.

Claims: WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. A container apparatus in such a container for fractional waste as, via a number of partitions (12, 13, 14) which may be opened themselves or be fitted with opening hatches, is divided into a number of compartments (8, 11), preferably one compartment for each waste fraction, the compartments being capable of being emptied in sequence after one another and, where applicable, one compartment being emptiable via one or more previously emptied compartments, characterized in that there is provided, at each opening partition (12 -14) or hatch, at least one catch (32) which, in an opened position, permits opening of the partition or the hatch and which, in a locking position, locks the partition or hatch; and that the catches are switchable to the opened position under the action of a stepwise movable operating device (21) which, after a first movement step, switches a first catch to the opened position and which, after a second movement step, switches a second catch to the opened position, and so on. 2. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 , characterized in that the operating device (21) is actuable by a stepping mechanism which, on each actuation, realises one movement step of the operating device. 3. The apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the partitions (12 - 14) or the hatches are disposed in a row after one another in the container; that the operating device (21 ) is elongate and extends from one end region (3) of the container at least up to the partition (12) or hatch located most distally from this end; and that the operating device is movable in its longitudinal direction. 4. The apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the partitions (12 - 14) or the hatches are disposed in a row after one another in the container; that the operating device is elongate and extends from one end region (3) of the container at least up to the partition (12) or hatch located most distally from this end; and that the operating device is movable in a rotational movement about its longitudinal axis. 5. The apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the stepping mechanism includes a reciprocating pivotal portion (19, 30) which, on lifting of the container from a substrate (20), is pivotal by force of gravity or under spring force, in a first direction and which, on placing of the container on the substrate (20) is return-pivotal in the opposite direction by cooperation therewith or with an abutment, the pivotal portion having a pawl or locking catch (29) which, by cooperation with a series of recesses (26 - 28) in the operating device (21 ) is disposed to impart thereto one movement step for each completed reciprocal pivot movement. 6. The apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the stepping mechanism includes a portion which is reciprocally movable in relation to the operating device (21), and which has a pawl or locking catch which, by cooperation with a series of recesses (26 - 28) in the operating device (21), is disposed to impart thereto one movement step for each completed reciprocal movement in relation to the operating device; and that the reciprocally movable portion is actuable under the action of an actuation device on that vehicle on which the container is transported. 7. The apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the catch (32) or catches are pivotal and connected each to their lever (34) which, in the locking position of the catch, is in engagement with a locking portion (36) on the operating device (21) and which, in the open position of the catch, is freed from such engagement by displacement of the locking portion. 8. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 7, characterized in that the lever (34) is pivotal in the opening direction of the catch (32) by force of gravity and/or by spring force. 9. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the locking portion (36) has a ramp surface (37) which is obliquely inclined in relation to the direction of movement of the operating device (21), and which, on return of the operating device towards the opening direction, is disposed to return-pivot the lever (34) towards the locking position of the catch (32). 10. The apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 2 to 9, characterized in that the locking portion (36) is adjustable in the direction of movement of the operating device (21). 11. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the container has an openable end wall (4) or an openable hatch disposed on the end wall; and that the operating device (21) extends up to the region of this end wall (4) and is there connected to means preventing closure of the end wall or the hatch as soon as the operating device (21) is located in position for opening of any catch (32).

Inventors: CARLSSON EIJE, CARLSSON, EIJE
Applicants: CARLSSON EIJE, CARLSSON JANE MARGARETA, CARLSSON, EIJE, CARLSSON, JANE, MARGARETA
Application year: 1994
Main classification: B65F1
IPC codes: B65F3